MovieChat Forums > Oranges and Sunshine (2011) Discussion > Much better than Spotlight...

Much better than Spotlight...

posted 8 years ago by ngrignon
1 reply | jump to latest

At least in this drama, everything is not as sterile and senseless as in Spotlight. Actors did an amazing job portraying these poor souls and their awful youth. Testimonies itselves are so believable and infuriating that you cannot not have some murder thoughts when comes the scene where the main characher goes to Bindoon to confront the priests.

Incredible that once again after the residential schools scandal in Canada, this was another government hand in hand with catholic Church conspiracy that was finally unveiled by courageous wittleblowers. Who, like today's ones, were attacked for having discovered this shameful governement organized child trafficking.

Another infuriating information is that it took SO LONG for the Australian and UK governments to aknowledge their full responsability in these tragedies. But what about the Catholic Church? It is also really disturbing to know that when children are abused in this world, the Catholic Church is never very far and often the main culprit.

[–] valerycchin 7 years ago

I agree there was much more emotional depth in Oranges and Sunshine than in Spotlight, although I have to admit I enjoyed them both. O&S is told from Margaret's POV, a wise decision for the development of the film because it wouldn't be as shocking and personal otherwise, or at least that's what I think; whereas in Spotlight the most distressing or highlighted scene that comes back to mind is Mark Ruffalo's outrage, which was a bit lacking, actually. I liked how investigative and documentary-like was Spotlight. As harsh as it sounds it wasn't focusing on the victims but rather on the journalism that led to the big blow off of the horror perpetrated on said victims.

I was surprised when I knew Rachel McAdams was nominated for that specific role. I couldn't even recall anything special whatsoever about her performance, apart from a little talk (which wasn't remarkable or special at all) she had with Mark's character about the awful things they were dealing with.

To adress the rest of your post: I agree as well. The Catholic church is a disgrace. I hate generalizing but by goodness if I haven't grown strong negative emotions towards the whole institution over the years. Spotlight did a better job at putting me up against the rotten clergy (had me looking for crimes committed by Catholic priests in my own country. I was mad and disturbed for days), but then again Spotlight focused entirely on the Catholic church and O&S blamed the government too.

I love both movies to be honest, they're powerful and each tells its own story. When I watch films like these I wish I could do some good for the world and help others more in any way they might need; however they also make me sad and deeply resentful towards people and institutions so desensitized and evil they can defy and violate human rights and degrade other humans as they see fit.